Luminary device with thermochromatic label

Abstract

A decorated luminary product includes either a candle or a candle holder containing the candle. A decorative web of a heat-shrinkable polymer web is heat shrunk to conform to a shape of the one of the candle and the candle holder. The web is decorated with a thermochromic ink or pigmentation to cooperate with heat emitted by burning the candle to provide a visible change in the ink or pigmentation, so as to provide a pleasing visual effect when the candle is burned.

We claim:  
     
       1. A luminary product having a decorative outer covering, said outer covering comprising a decorative web of a heat-shrinkable polymer which has been shrunk to conform to the external shape of said product, wherein said decorative web comprises a thermochromic material which reacts to heat, said luminary product comprises a candle, and said decorative web is adhered to said candle. 
     
     
       2. A luminary product of  claim 1 , wherein said decorative web comprises a heat shrinkable polymer having a design printed thereupon comprising a thermochromic ink. 
     
     
       3. A luminary product of  claim 2 , wherein said design comprises plural thermochromic inks which are activated by the light of said candle. 
     
     
       4. A luminary product of  claim 2 , wherein said design further comprises non-thermochromic inks. 
     
     
       5. A luminary product of  claim 2 , wherein said decorative web comprises a transparent polymeric web. 
     
     
       6. A luminary product having a decorative outer covering, said outer covering comprising a decorative heat-shrinkable polymer web which has been shrunk to conform to the external shape of said product, said web having a design printed thereupon comprising a thermochromic ink which reacts to heat, said luminary product comprising a candle and a candle holder, wherein said candle holder comprises a glass container for said candle, said web is adhered to said candle holder, and wherein said design further comprises a phosphorescent ink which is activated by ambient light and emits light when said candle is extinguished. 
     
     
       7. A luminary product of  claim 6 , said decorative outer covering comprising a polymeric film comprising a material which absorbs radiant energy from a burning flame and changes color as a result thereof, said luminary further comprising an active material. 
     
     
       8. A luminary product as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein said active material is selected from the group consisting of fragrances, air fresheners, deodorizers, odor eliminators, malodor counteractants, insecticides, insect repellants, medicinal substances, disinfectants, sanitizers, mood enhancers, aroma therapy compositions, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       9. A luminary product asset forth in  claim 7 , wherein said active material is selected from the group consisting of fragrances, insect repellants, insecticides, and deodorizers. 
     
     
       10. A luminary product as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein said product comprises a candle. 
     
     
       11. A luminary product as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein said product comprises a candle and a candle holder selected from the group consisting of jars, votive holders, globes, and chimneys, said polymeric film is adhered to said candle holder, and said film comprises a heat shrinkable polymer having a design printed thereupon comprising at least one thermochromic ink capable of being activated by the heat of burning said candle. 
     
     
       12. A method for decorating a luminary product comprising a candle and candle holder, said method comprising the steps of: 
       a) providing a heat-shrinkable polymer web having a design printed thereupon comprising at least one thermochromic ink capable of being activated by the heat of burning said candle, said web comprising a material which absorbs radiant energy from a burning flame and changes color as a result thereof;  
       b) encasing with the web a substrate selected from the group consisting of candles, candle jars, candle chimneys, candle holders, lanterns, globes, and votive holders; and  
       c) after the encasing step, heating the web to cause the web to shrink to conform to the shape of said substrate;  
       wherein said substrate encompasses an active material selected from the group consisting of fragrances, insect repellants, insecticides, and deodorizers. 
     
     
       13. A method as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the polymer is oriented poly(ethylene terephthalate), wherein the web is preformed into a sleeve with the orientation of the polymer being circumferential to the sleeve, said method further comprising the step of severing the sleeve substantially in the direction of the orientation of the polymer to form a band, and wherein the encasing step comprises positioning the band around a candle jar. 
     
     
       14. The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the web is approximately 50 microns thick.